The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Available in the Swift Current Library: No
General Topics: Introversion, High School, Sexuality
Rating out of 5: 4 out of 5

Summary: The story is narrated by a teenager named Charlie, who describes various scenes in his life by writing a series of letters to an anonymous friend. The story explores topics such as introversion, teenage sexuality, abuse, and the awkward times of adolescence. The book also touches strongly on drug use and Charlie's experiences with this. As the story progresses, various works of literature and film are referenced and their meanings discussed. The story takes place in a suburb of Pittsburgh during the 1991-1992 school year, when Charlie is a high school freshman. Charlie is the wallflower of the novel. He is an unconventional thinker, and as the story begins he is shy and unpopular.

Good Points: -Thought-provoking
- Interesting characters
- Deep thought
- VERY well written

Bad Points: -None

Overall review: I LOVED this book. It was a book that kept me reading... and reading... and reading! Chbosky is an AMAZING author, and can connect with his readers quite well! I could hardly put the book down!

If you liked this book, also try: N/A

Visit the author's website at: N/A

Carrie

Carrie by Stephen King
FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.

Available in the Swift Current Library: No

General Topics: Telekenisis, Death, Religion, High School

Rating out of 5: 5 out of 5

Summary: The book uses fictional documents, such as book excerpts, news reports, and hearing transcripts, to frame the story of Carietta "Carrie" White, a 17-year-old girl from Chamberlain, Maine. Carrie's mother, Margaret, a fanatical Christian fundamentalist, has an unstable personality, and over the years has ruled Carrie with repeated threats of damnation, as well as occasional physical abuse. Carrie does not fare much better at school. Her frumpy looks, lack of friends and lack of popularity with boys make her the object of ridicule, embarrassment, and public humiliation by her fellow teenage peers.
Carrie gradually discovers her telekinetic powers, which she has apparently possessed since birth, but had not had conscious control over after her infancy, though she remembers several incidents from throughout her life. Carrie practices her powers in secret, developing strength, and also finds that she is somewhat telepathic.

Good Points: -Thought-provoking

- Interesting characters

- Deep thought

- VERY well written

Bad Points: -None

Overall review: I LOVED this book. It was a book that kept me reading... and reading... and reading! Stephen King is an AMAZING author, but is for very mature readers. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book!

If you liked this book, also try: Cell by Stephen King

Visit the author's website at: http://www.stephenking.com/

Cell

Cell by Stephen King

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.

Available in the Swift Current Library: Yes


General Topics: Death, Apocalypse, technology


Rating out of 5: 5 out of 5

Summary: Cell is an apocalyptic horror novel published by Stephen King. The plot concerns a New England artist struggling to reunite with his young son after a mysterious signal broadcast over the global cell-phone network turns masses of his fellow humans into zombies.

Good Points: -Thought-provoking
- Interesting characters
- Deep thought

- VERY well written


Bad Points: -None


Overall review: I LOVED this book. It was a book that kept me reading... and reading... and reading! Stephen King is an AMAZING author, but is for very mature readers.



If you liked this book, also try: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King


Visit the author's website at: http://www.stephenking.com/

Maybe by Brent Runyon

Available in the Swift Current Library: Yes

General Topics: Death, Family, Relationships

Rating out of 5: 3.5 out of 5

Summary: This is a story of Brian, a young man whose home life is haunted by his older brother’s death from drinking and driving. Brian and his parents have moved to a new location, yet they still preserve the older brother’s room. As Brian adjusts to a new high school, he begins to make friends and explores relationships with girls.
Maybe is written as if it were a journal, viewing a small slice of this young man’s life through his eyes. The author effectively relays the day-to-day life of today’s teens, including swearing, drugs, drinking and dating – however, these areas are handled tastefully and realistically. We see how impressionable youth are. For instance, when Brian is asked if he is gay, he begins an inner dialogue of “…am I gay? Do I look like I’m gay?…”
Readers watch Brian discover his inner self while he deals with raging hormones.

Good Points: -Thought-provoking

- Interesting characters

-Realistic view on humans and our society

Bad Points: -Very short

Overall review: I was pleased to see that Brian learns that there can be intimate relationships without tensions and sexual pressures involved. This book will appeal to teens because they won’t feel like they are being lied to with its realistic storyline and use of language that teenagers can relate to.

If you liked this book, also try: The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon

Visit the author's website at: http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=52604